- Speaker #0
Hello everyone and welcome to the podcast. This is episode 5 and today I'm joined by Agathe Hermant, Nutrition Marketing Product Manager at Ingredia. Hi Agathe, thank you for joining us today. How are you?
- Speaker #1
Good, thank you. And you?
- Speaker #0
Good, thanks. In this episode, we will explore the future of milk proteins, focusing on the markets they are developing in and how they are adapting to these different markets and products. So let's get started with the first question. When we talk today about milk proteins in nutrition, which markets are we actually referring to?
- Speaker #1
Today, milk proteins are at the earth of three major structuring nutrition markets, active nutrition, sport performance nutrition, and medical or clinical nutrition. These markets differ significantly in terms of expectation, regulatory constraints, and application, but they share. one common driver, a growing demand for high quality proteins that are both nutritionally valuable and functional.
- Speaker #0
Okay, so let's start with active nutrition. What are the main trends you are seeing in this market?
- Speaker #1
Active nutrition targets consumers who take a proactive approach to their health. The high protein claim has become a strong signal of health and quality for manufacturers. The key challenge is to develop products that are both healthy and indigeneous, enriched with protein and suitable for a wide range of applications. In particular, we see strong growth in protein snacks driven by modern lifestyles and by consumers' desire to replace less-nutrition snacks with options that are both healthier and more enjoyable.
- Speaker #0
This market is very dynamic but also complex. What are the main challenges brands are facing today?
- Speaker #1
One of the first challenges is clearly formulation. Many products are positioned as sugar-free or fat-free, which can lead to very complex recipes, often with a high level of additives. This can sometimes conflict with the healthy... image brands are aiming for. Another major challenge is the race to diversify protein application. Manufacturers are no longer focused on just one or two formats. Today, high protein needs to be delivered across a wide variety of applications such as beverages, puddings, and chocolates also. And even in brin- concepts. The rapid expansion of application requires ingredients that can adapt to very different technological constraints without compromising nutritional quality, texture or taste. In this concept, the choice of protein ingredients becomes a strategic lever.
- Speaker #0
So how do milk proteins and micellar caseins in particular address these challenges?
- Speaker #1
That's a good question. Mycelia casein provides a very concrete answer to these challenges. From a technological standpoint, their thermal stability and functional behavior allow them to be used across a broad range of applications, which is essential in a market where product portfolios are constantly expanding. From a nutritional perspective, their slow digestibility supports satiety. and a prolonged release of amino acids. These are exactly the types of ingredient solutions we developed to support manufacturers in creating high-performing, differentiated protein products that are aligned with market trends.
- Speaker #0
And we also hear a lot about healthy aging. What role do meal proteins play in this segment?
- Speaker #1
Yes, healthy aging is the fast-growing segment driven by the aging population. As people get older, protein requirements increase, particularly to help maintain muscle mass, mobility, and independence. Meat proteins are especially relevant in this context. Myceliac azines also, which are naturally rich in calcium, contribute both to protein intake and bone health. This segment is currently experiencing strong momentum and given ongoing demographic trends. represent a clear long-term growth market for the nutrition industry.
- Speaker #0
Okay, thank you, Agathe. Now let's move on to sports performance nutrition. What are the key challenges for manufacturers today?
- Speaker #1
Sports performance nutrition remains a market largely dominated by proteins and especially by whey. The challenge is that the natural ratio of protein in milk is 20% of whey and 80% of micellar caseins, which limits the availability of native whey. in the face of rapidly growing demand, particularly in powder formats. As a result, sports nutrition manufacturers are facing supply constraints and need to diversify their protein solutions in order to sustain growth.
- Speaker #0
Okay, but what alternatives can be considered to meet this growing demand?
- Speaker #1
Diversification is now essential. This is why we have developed ranges of... MycProtein Hydrolysate, including both whey and micellar casein hydrolysate. These solutions help manufacturers to secure their supply while benefiting from ingredients with an excellent nutritional profile. Thanks to their fast digestibility, these hydrolysates provide a rapid amino acid supply, which is highly valued around exercise and recovery, making them particularly relevant for sports performance nutrition.
- Speaker #0
Okay, thank you. Finally, let's talk about medical or clinical nutrition. What makes this market unique?
- Speaker #1
Medical nutrition addresses very specific needs, such as protein supplementation for elderly people, hospitalized patients, or during post-operative recovery. It is a highly regulated market with strict requirements in terms of quality, safety, and nutritional performance. With the aging population, this market also offers strong growth potential and milk proteins play a key role within it.
- Speaker #0
Okay, and which ingredients are particularly well suited for medical nutrition?
- Speaker #1
Mycelial calzins are a real asset in this market. Thanks to the range of applications they enable and to their functional properties such as improved fluidity, improved properties, which is... critical for patient acceptance. Hydrolysates, on the other hand, are especially suitable for individuals with digestive challenges due to their rapid absorption. They are essential ingredient solutions for meeting the high standards of modern clinical nutrition.
- Speaker #0
Okay, thank you very much, Agathe. To conclude, how would you summarize the role of meal proteins in today's and tomorrow's nutrition markets?
- Speaker #1
That's a good question. Today, meat proteins are far more than simple nutritional ingredients. They are true drivers of differentiation and performance for nutrition manufacturers. In markets undergoing rapid transformation, where expectations around performance, cleaner formulation and application diversity continue to rise, having access to well-adapted protein solutions and strong ingredient expertise is a key advantage to support innovation and growth. both now and in the future.
- Speaker #0
Okay, and that brings us to the end of this series of the podcast. A big thank you to all of you for following and listening to us during this journey. We would also like to thank our guests for their insightful contribution and for sharing their expertise on the world of the proteins. A special thanks to Manon, Lea and you, Agathe, for answering all of our questions. Click on the link in the description to find out more about our range of meal proteins adapted to your different needs. Take care and see you next time.
- Speaker #1
Thank you, Florian. See you. Bye.
